Emma Smook has turned her love of party planning into a business – and she couldn’t be happier.

The 45-year-old mother of two is Founder and Director of Canvas & Dreams.

It specialises in creating parties and events at your home, often based around bespoke party gazebos.

They range from themed children’s parties to hot tubs and cinema experiences as well as neon discos and sleepovers.

The most deluxe package is a home experience with Hollywood hot tub, home cinema setup, LED fairy lighting and all the deluxe extras set under canvas.

Emma, who launched Canvas & Dreams three months ago, said: “It is just so much fun.

“Out of all the jobs that I have done, this is the one that I love the most.

“I’m meeting lovely people and everyone is pleased to see you because you’re bringing a party to their house.”

A classically trained musician, Emma studied the clarinet at Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester, and London’s Royal College of Music, before embarking on a career in music.

But it was arrival of her two children, Max, now 15, and Myla, 13, that began her love of party planning.

She said: “Since they were little, I’ve created themed birthday parties for them.

“I’ve also organised countless adult parties.

“I basically love parties and party planning; it’s an absolute passion of mine.”

It was Emma’s own wedding, just over a year ago, to Charlie, a corporate pilot, that finally prompted her to launch Canvas & Dreams.

She said: “We were having a wedding party for about 100 people at our house.

“I had a vision and knew what I wanted – a small marquee or gazebo, themed and with music, catering and all the rest.

“Lots of companies were offering hot tubs, cinemas and the like but not themed gazebos all beautifully decorated with lighting etc.

“I discovered that the gazebo hire industry was a niche marketplace, with most companies catering for larger events.

“What seemed to be missing was providing a party space at home that wasn’t the size of a festival marquee.

“Somewhere big enough to seat lots of little party people, dance in, relax in a spa, watch a movie – a space to make happy memories in your own home.

“In the end, I found a company with a gazebo and decorated it myself.

“But it got me thinking that this could be a business.”

Emma, who lives in Poole, started Canvas & Dreams on Friday May 13.

She said: “I did just one party, put it on social media and the floodgates opened.

“I’m fully booked for this month with lots lined up including Halloween parties, cinemas and hot tubs all the way through.

“I like gazebos because it’s not the size of a marquee and you don’t need a huge amount of space.

“We do as small as 3 x 3 metres up to 6 x 6 metres.

“It allows people to party at home but not necessarily in the home.

“Covid brought about a new-found excitement and enjoyment in your own home.

“But not everyone wants their house full of 30 little people with cream carpets stained with chocolate cake.

“Our gazebos can attach to the side of the home or they can be freestanding and with heating in the winter there are lots of options.

“I source everything to do with the theme and aim to provide a quality service but that’s affordable.

“Local people help me make the bunting, chair covers and tablecloths.

“People will come to me with their idea of a theme.

“They may have some props to add, or I will get some in, and we work together to create something bespoke.

“I’ve had lovely reviews and a couple of re-bookings already.

“It is hard work and a big responsibility.

“But it’s not stressful.

“Being a musician and having to perform and get every note right – that’s stressful.

“This is demanding, and it’s taking up a lot of my time, but it’s something for me to get my teeth into and I love it.”

Emma plans to introduce igloo domes for dinner parties of up to six people, complete with catering, as well as the cinema experiences as an indoor option for winter.

She said: “The local community have been wonderful and supportive about promoting my business and helping me.

“They’ve really embraced me, and Canvas & Dreams.

“I have a big vision for my business with lots of new exciting themes coming soon.

“I couldn’t be happier at how things are going.”

• canvasanddreams.co.uk